Midwifery in Middle Eastern and North African countries: A scoping review

Transition experiences of Middle Eastern midwives into Australian practice: A multiple case narrative study

“…Additionally, they were required to support mothers with early postpartum self‐care, which was usually delegated to family members accompanying patients in their home countries. This was consistent with results of a scoping review that examined midwifery practice, education and regulation in Middle Eastern and North African countries in the context of ICM standards (Safari et al, 2021 ).Given that the majority of Middle Eastern midwives in this study worked in postpartum in Australia, indicating that they are more likely to be interested in or find employment in this area despite lacking overeseas experience, the question of how well they are prepared for this practice in Australia arises. Prior to registering Middle Eastern midwives, a context‐specific and evidence‐based upskilling programme, followed by mentorship customized to their needs in the workplace, is crucial to consider to maximize their proficiency and ensure safe practice and public safety in Australia.…”

“…Midwifery in Middle Eastern countries has developed dramatically in the recent years and progress is being made towards achieving International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) standards of practice, education and regulation (Safari et al, 2021 ). Over the past two decades, midwifery education in Middle Eastern countries has progressively moved into institutions of higher learning, and baccalaureate degrees in countries like Iran, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon are being adopted for entry into practice.…”

“…Over the past two decades, midwifery education in Middle Eastern countries has progressively moved into institutions of higher learning, and baccalaureate degrees in countries like Iran, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon are being adopted for entry into practice. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and UAE are among countries that have membership with ICM (Safari et al, 2021 ). The majority of Middle East countries have legislation that recognizes midwifery as an autonomous profession, excluding Djibouti, Oman, Somalia and Yemen, and registration with regulatory authorities is mandatory for practice (Safari et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and UAE are among countries that have membership with ICM (Safari et al, 2021 ). The majority of Middle East countries have legislation that recognizes midwifery as an autonomous profession, excluding Djibouti, Oman, Somalia and Yemen, and registration with regulatory authorities is mandatory for practice (Safari et al, 2021 ).…”

Global health inequality and women – beyond maternal health

“…In an ideal world, delivery should be accompanied by a medical professional with the relevant experience and training and in an environment equipped to respond to emergencies. Worldwide, many deliveries are still not attended by midwives and when they are, there can be significant variation in midwifery practice, regulation and education [12]. This variability can also extend to anaesthetic interventions, especially within middle‐ and low‐income countries.…”